Tag Archives: Saints’

Harry Connick Jr. is so pissed off over that non-pass interference call at the end of the NFC championship game, he wrote a letter to Roger Goodell saying he’s boycotting the Super Bowl.

The Grammy-winning crooner is a HUGE Saints fan (he was born and raised in New Orleans) — and while he’s usually a chill guy, his blood was BOILING when his team got screwed by the refs in the waning minutes of the game.

So, Connick decided to pen a letter to the NFL boss — telling the Commish he’s mad as hell at the officiating and he ain’t gonna take it anymore.

“Until changes are made, specifically, booth review of outcome-altering no-calls, you can count me out,” Connick Jr. wrote in his letter.

“I’m not watching the AFC championship game and I won’t be watching the Super Bowl.”

So far, no response from Goodell.

Here’s Harry’s letter in full …

“Dear Commissioner Goodell,

Please know that I would’ve written this letter regardless of which teams were playing in the NFL championship.

I love the game of football so much — the NFL gives me great joy and has for many years. To not call the pass interference/helmet-to-helmet penalties at the end of the game was one of the most disgraceful no-calls I have ever seen.

The officiating this year has been, for the most part, mediocre, in my opinion. But for a game as important as the NFL championship, it sickens me to know that the people who are assigned to fairly officiate the game seemingly had no regard for not only a dangerous penalty but one that would certainly have changed the outcome of the game.

Until changes are made, specifically, booth review of outcome-altering no-calls, you can count me out. I’m not watching the AFC championship game and I won’t be watching the Super Bowl.

The House of Representatives voted UNANIMOUSLY on Thursday to award the Congressional Gold Medal to ex-Saints star Steve Gleason for all the great work he’s doing to battle ALS.

Gleason (who played for the Saints from 2000 to 2006) was diagnosed with ALS back in 2011. The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

But, despite his physical challenges, Gleason has been a leading voice in raising awareness and money for ALS organizations.

For example, he’s advocated for federal legislation to help ensure people living with diseases like ALS have access to speech-generating devices and he’s also been a major leader in the largest coordinated and collaborative ALS research project in the world.

The politicians were obviously impressed — and Gleason will become the 1st ex-NFL player to receive the award.

FYI, the Congressional Gold Medal recognizes people who have “performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.”

It’s one of the highest civilian awards in the U.S.

“It is a true honor to witness Steve Gleason become the first New Orleanian and former NFL Legend to receive the Congressional Gold Medal,” Saints Owner Gayle Benson said.

“Along with his wife, Michel, and everyone at Team Gleason, they have unfailingly confronted ALS with a courageous and unwavering determination. Their tireless work to provide crucial assistance and the latest in technology and services has improved countless people’s quality of living.”

“Steve is leaving a truly indelible mark in American history and we are honored to call him a true New Orleans Saint.”